Designing computer systems

Objectives and outcomes

Students acquire knowledge of computer system types, computer system design methodologies, development phases, requirements analysis, design and implementation of computer systems. Upon completion of the course, students have knowledge of the principles, characteristics, and concepts related to the design of computer systems. They can perform requirements analysis. Based on the obtained parameters they can propose the optimal methodology for system development, define all the necessary parameters and select a program tool. They can specify all necessary parameters and define the layout of databases.

Lectures

Introduction to computer systems design. Sources of complexity and design methodology. Computer system structure. System analysis. The impact of information technologies on system design and development. Types of systems and their use. System development (in-house applications, software packages, Internet-based applications). System components (hardware, software, data, processes and resources). Information analysis. Data and critical applications. Implementation and rapid development of applications. The importance of standardisation and documentation. Testing and maintenance. Test plans. Types of systems (systems, transaction systems, business systems, information management systems, production systems). Development tools (business model, requirements model, data model, object model, network model, process model). Methods for system design development. Principles of system design (system development life cycle SDLC). Planning (project setup, project management). Analysis (strategies, requirements, information gathering, proposal). Design (strategy, architecture, database, parameter specification, programming tools). System implementation (project, implementation, support). Methodologies for system design and development. Definition. System complexity analysis. System reliability. Project organisation. System analysis. Virtual system design. Group and individual work.

Practical classes

Requirements analysis defined in the ‘Case Study’ file – analysis of requirements and environment. Selection of design tools and design methodologies. Designing a computer system based on defined requirements, using various tools. Designing a software application, including the choice of protocols and methodologies.